Newton Coronavirus Cases: Deaths Rise To 71

NEWTON, MA — The number of reported deaths related to the coronavirus rose to 71 on Wednesday, according to city data. Some 556 people in Newton have tested positive for the virus that causes the illness known as COVID-19.

The number of people reported to have died in Newton as of Wednesday is 13 more than was reported April 21. As of Tuesday some 58,302 people had tested positive for the virus across the commonwealth. More than 3,000 had died related to COVID-19, according to state data.

The city is now posting a graph to show cases by symptom onset date "whenever possible" and defaults to the date of test administration when that's not possible.

If you see the numbers or the look of the graph change, that's because as the city gets more information, it will be updating it. For example, a person initially counted as a Newton resident may actually live elsewhere, and will therefore will be removed, or a test date may have been initially used, and later is changed when a symptom onset date becomes available, according to the city.

Also on Wednesday, Gov. Charlie Baker said a planned phased reopening for Massachusetts is meant to keep the state from a one-step-forward, two-steps-back situation.

Baker, speaking one day after extending the stay-at-home advisory and closure of nonessential businesses to May 18, said the measured approach will help avoid backsliding "right back in the public health crisis."

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